As a photographic artist, I seek out only those exhibitions that really interest me and those that I hope are open to my style of work. One of the highlights for me is the upcoming Food, Glorious Food at Art Saint Louis. Friends and family became tired of me constantly saying, “I really hope I get into Food Glorious Food.” To make matters worse, I did not receive notification that one of my two entries, “Tea Tree” had been accepted for almost a week because the email was blocked by my spam filter. Still, I’m in and I’m thrilled.

Art Saint Louis brings art and food together for a block party celebrating the exhibition Food, Glorious Food in the gallery/café at 1223 Pine Street in downtown St. Louis. The opening is more than just an opening – it’s an event. Please join me on Saturday, July 26 for all the best in local food and art.

Jurors for Food, Glorious Food are Allyson Mace, Publisher and Founder, Sauce Magazine, and avid photographer and art supporter; and Sara Choler Hale, artist and founder of Fair Shares CCSA. Food, Glorious Food returns to a popular theme introduced two years ago in Art Saint Louis' 2012 exhibition series. The art takes inspiration from all aspects of food, from farm to fine dining. The exhibition features 76 creative treats by 51 local artists and includes paintings, woven pieces, ceramics, assemblages, fiber sculpture, drawings, printmaking, photography, and much more. All pieces are available for purchase, and none is priced more than $400. “Tea Tree” is priced at $120!

The main course, of course, is the art exhibition – but there’s much more on the menu! Food trucks will offer delectables outside the gallery and the baristas of Mississippi Mud Coffee Roasters Café will create hot and cold drinks made to order inside. The adjacent Kauffman Park will house live painters, chalk artists, live music and more – plus plenty of room for picnickers.

Food trucks rolling in for the opening event on July 26 include Bombay Food Junkies, The Sweet Divine and Zia’s. There will also be live artmaking by artists Michael Anderson, Lon Brauer, Jennifer Hayes and Erin McGrath Rieke, and chalk art created by Chelsea Soronen and Rusty Conklin of Chalk Riot. Guests are welcome to contribute their own chalk art designs with chalk provided by event sponsor Artmart.

The exhibition is on display at Art Saint Louis July 26 through September 11, 2014. Gallery is free & open to the public Monday 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sundays & holidays, including Labor Day holiday & weekend, August 30 & September 1.